These lists has been compiled by Volunteers serving in [[{{#explode:Packing list for Dominican Republic| |3}} {{#explode:Packing list for Dominican Republic| |4}} {{#explode:Packing list for Dominican Republic| |5}}]] based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list!

This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in the Dominican Republic and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally, considering your work sector.. Please keep in mind two important factors that might affect your decision on what to buy and what to bring: 1) you have a baggage weight limit; and 2) You can get almost everything that you need in the Dominican Republic.

Contents

Dominican extension workers in forestry and water (male or female) usually wear a button-down short- or long-sleeved shirt, neat trousers, boots and a hat. Volunteers in health, education, youth, and small business projects will find that their co-workers often are casual-professional in their dress. In general, men wear pants and short-sleeved sports shirts or Dominican chacabanas (also called guyaberas), and women wear skirts or pants with nice tops. Worn, torn, patched, tight, overly baggy, or very low-cut clothes are not appropriate for Volunteers. Nor is military-style clothing (i.e., camouflage or olive-green Army surplus items). Also, shorts and flip-flops are not appropriate to wear, either to work or when visiting the office in Santo Domingo. Following are suggested items for both men and women.

At least five T-shirts

At least two casual shirts or polo-type shirts (or sleeveless shirts for women)

One or two pairs of sturdy walking or hiking shoes/ boots (some Volunteers suggest Vibram soles)

One pair of running or athletic shoes

One pair of dress shoes

One pair of sandals

Flip-flops for showering or beach (these are not appropriate to wear in your work setting) Personal Hygiene and Toiletry Items

You can buy almost anything available in the United States in the way of clothing and toiletries in the Dominican Republic. However, if you have any favorite brands of toiletries or cosmetics, you may want to bring a supply, as most imported items are considerably more expensive here than in the United States.

Start-up supply of shampoo, deodorant, tampons, etc.

Two bath towels, one beach towel, one hand towel, and one “quick dry” towel Kitchen

You can easily buy most kitchen supplies (e.g., dishes, pots, glasses, and utensils) locally. There are a few items you might consider bringing:

Laptop computer (if you are considering bringing a laptop, please also consider personal articles insurance as high-priced electronics are at a higher risk of theft and/or loss. A good battery source is also recommended since most towns, including the neighborhoods of Santo Domingo, experience frequent and prolonged power-outages)

A USB flash drive (for document storage; 256 to 512 is recommended)

Umbrella

Multiple-utility pocketknife (e.g., Leatherman)

Camera, film, and batteries

Radio, cassette, CD player, or other music player and portable speakers

Shortwave radio

Surge protector for electrical appliances

Light, stuffable (preferably waterproof) sleeping bag

Sleeping pad (e.g., Therm-a-rest)

Good-quality water bottle (e.g., Nalgene)

Headlamp or flashlight (and extra batteries)

A few U.S. dollars

Sewing kit

Good scissors

Start-up supply of stationery and pens

World map

Photos of family and friends

Inexpensive jewelry

Backgammon, cards, and other travel games

Gardening gloves

Extra suntan lotion with high SPF

Rechargeable batteries and recharger

Digital camera

Yoga mat (if you do yoga)

Rain suit (jacket/pants)

Small Spanish-English dictionary

Books (Peace Corps/Dominican Republic has a LARGE selection of paperbacks accumulated over the years. Otherwise, English-language books generally are not available. The Peace Corps’ technical reference library is also quite good. If there are materials you think could be essential to your job, bring them with you.) If you use Media Mail (bulk rate surface mail) to ship a box of books, it can take one to two months to arrive.